After studying 29 Italians between the ages of 90 and 101 to assess their mental and physical health, researchers from the University of Rome La Sapienza and the University of California San Diego School of Medicine discovered that they seemed to have certain traits in common.

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And one unexpected trait seemed to stand out: stubbornness...

Yep, as well as generally having a sunny outlook on life, the pensioners seemed to share stubborn personality traits, the Independent reports.

Despite what you might think, being stubborn isn't all bad. The researchers reckon it could be considered psychologically beneficial because you're less likely to worry about what others think.

Other commonalities between the participants included a good work ethic and having a strong bond with family.

'There have been a number of studies on very old adults, but they have mostly focused on genetics rather than their mental health or personalities,' study author Dilip V. Jeste from UC San Diego.

'The main themes that emerged from our study, and appear to be the unique features associated with better mental health of this rural population, were positivity, work ethic, stubbornness and a strong bond with family, religion and land,' he added.'said in the journal International Psychogeriatrics.

Of course, many previous studies have revealed the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, so we can't help but wonder whether their Italian location also played a part.

But, regardless, we could probably all do with caring a little less about what other people think...